An exploration of the changing face of textuality in an online era,
with the emphasis on the interplay between electronic writing (“cybertext”) and
other forms of digital media (visual, video, audio, kinetic, immersive). We
will examine electronic texts and the future of writing in relation to both the
history of the oral and the written word and the shift from page to screen that
culminates in the emergence of what one critic terms "information
space." Our point of departure will be a reading of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein,
one of the greatest fables of artifice and technology we have. This text will
become the vehicle by which we traverse a wide array of experimental digital
landscapes, to include Shelley Jackson’s refashioning of the original tale as
her hypertext fiction Patchwork Girl
and the interactive imaginative milieu that is the FrankenMOO.
Students will also “visualize” a portion of the narrative for presentation on
the World Wide Web. Our objective in constantly positioning and re-positioning
Frankenstein within these transformative textual and narrative spaces will be
to explore (hands-on) a variety of new technologies while gaining an
appreciation of the rich and diverse forms of textuality made manifest in
existing and emerging electronic environments. In the process, all students
will learn practical Web publishing skills and techniques for expressing
themselves in electronic settings--essential tools for literacy in the 21st
century.

No prior technical knowledge is expected or assumed. However, I do assume a genuine
interest in computers and new media, as well as patience, good humor, and a
willingness to learn some new skills.

Texts

All of the following are
available for purchase at the University Book Center. If you get the texts
elsewhere please ensure that they are the correct edition.

Shelley Jackson, Patchwork Girl[CD] (Eastgate Systems)

David M. Levy, Scrolling Forward: Making Sense of
Documents in the Digital Age (Arcade)

Walter Ong, Orality and Literacy: The
Technologizing of the Word (Routledge)

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (Penguin)

Optional:

Ron White, How Computers Work (Que)

Requirements and Grading

Two three (3) page papers, based upon topics I will
assign. 15% each, 30% total.

An electronic project, consisting of either a MOO
space or a Web-based visualization—you’ll each get to choose which
one—based upon work done with these formats during our in-class lab
sessions. 30%.

A mid-term and final exam. The final exam will be
given at the date and time scheduled by the Registrar. It will cover
material primarily (but not exclusively) from the second half of the
semester. 20% each, 40% total.

Participation (in class and via email) and quizzes.
This is not a lecture class—enthusiastic and informed participation is
expected of everyone. In addition, I
may administer surprise quizzes at any time—and will not hesitate to do so
if the class seems unprepared. Participation and quizzes will both be
taken into consideration when calculating borderline grades.

Policies

Attendance is mandatory—if you’re not here, you’re not
contributing to the group. I reserve the right to demote the final course grade
by up to a full letter for any student with a conspicuous pattern of
non-attendance (more than two unexcused absences). Missing more than 25% of the
semester’s classes will result in a failing grade for the course. All work is
due on the date given on the course calendar, unless you have made a specific
prior arrangement with me. Late work without prior arrangement will be demoted
up to one full letter grade (or not accepted at all if more than a week
overdue).

Students who require special accommodation for attendance
or assignments due to religious or other obligations should inform me of the
fact as far ahead of time as possible.

You are responsible for the material you miss if you are
absent. Note that I will not respond to “what did I miss” queries via email
(ask a friend in the class, or come see me during office hours).

Computer Accounts

Subscription to the class’s electronic coursemail list is
mandatory. All students who have a valid email address in Testudo should be
automatically subscribed. I will use the list to post announcements, updates to
the calendar, and other administrative items. You should get into the habit of
checking your email at least once a day. You will be held responsible for the
content of all email announcements 24 hours after they have been posted. We
will also all use the list to continue and further our in class discussions.
Your contributions to the list will be taken into account when I assess the
level of your class participation.

All of you must
also open a WAM account, which you will
learn to use during the course of the semester. All online work must be done
on WAM, and not on a private ISP. (This policy will help me to help you
troubleshoot if and when problems arise.)

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to abide by the University’s
code of academic integrity:
<http://www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/JPO/code_acinteg.html>.
Students are also requested to sign the Honor Pledge to all written work: “I
pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized
assistance on this assignment/examination.” Plagiarism and other forms of
academic dishonesty will be referred to the University Honor Council.

Course Calendar

Generally, Mondays will be lecture/discussion sessions and
Fridays will be hands-on lab sessions. Wednesdays will vary between the two.
Note, however, that you may still have reading assigned for a Wednesday or even
a Friday. Please bring your books to class at all times.